Everton v Crystal Palace: Back goals in this game between two in-form sides

Everton v Crystal Palace
Monday, 20:00
Live on Sky Sports 1

Everton

Roberto Martinez's men come into this game in rude health. Undefeated in their last four Premier League games, the Toffees have managed no less than 14 goals in that time and finally have their two talismanic forward players Ross Barkley and Romelu Lukaku fit, firing and combining well.

After a disappointing campaign last season and a lacklustre start this, things feel like they're finally slotting into place for Martinez and his players, but Crystal Palace will be a solid test for that theory on what should be an interesting Monday night game.

Key to their performance and chances of a result is the fitness of James McCarthy who is struggling to shake off a groin injury and is a really important player in front of the back four. Leighton Baines could also come back into contention after a series of ankle injuries, but won't be rushed back.

Crystal Palace

Opta tell us that since Alan Pardew took over at Crystal Palace, only Arsenal have amassed more away points in the Premier League, and that is testament to the job that the man they call 'Pards' is doing down in south London.

The Eagles now look like an established top flight side and have a good balance of defensive solidity (they have one of the best defensive records in the division) and ability going forward, although a lack of goals by their strikers particularly is a concern. Two massive wins in their last three games - a 1-2 victory at Anfield and a 5-1 shellacking of the hopeless Newcastle - will ensure that Palace are in fine fettle coming into this one at Goodison Park, a ground they've won four times at in just their last six visits.

Bakary Sako and Wilfried both miss out through injury and suspension respectively.

Match Odds

This game will be a case of deciding whose form you rate as the best currently, as both teams have obvious merits and impressive wins under their belts recently. Everton start as favourites, but an odds-against price of 2.08 tempts given the goalscoring feats they've displayed over recent weeks. Meanwhile, there's a lot to like about a good counter-attacking Crystal Palace who currently trade at 3.95.

But if the home side can get the aforementioned Barkley and Lukaku combining again, it'll be very hard for Palace to cope with that. They like to sit deep and counter-attack away from home, but I wonder if they can keep those two at bay for the full 90 minutes.

The Draw is available at 3.70.

Over/Under 2.5 Goals

Instinctively I like Overs here, for obvious reasons. Neither team have trouble scoring and both have been well among the goals recently. I'm interested in what my colleague Michael Cox has written when previewing this game though, and can understand his contention that this particular game could be quieter.

That considered though, if Everton don't have McCarthy to screen and transition the ball from defence into attack, I think there could be joy for Palace, and I'd always back the home side to score given the form Barkley and Lukaku are in and so Overs is the call. 1.90 is a decent price.

First Goalscorer

I've mentioned Romelu Lukaku a lot in this preview, and for good reason - the big Belgian is in irresistible form currently and scored in both games between these two sides last season. 5.80on him to open the scoring on Monday night is a bet I'm willing to take for him to continue his run.

Recommended Bets

Back Everton to win at 2.08
Back Over 2.5 Goals at 1.90